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Long-time Henn. Co. commisioner Stenglein to resign

Long-time Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein said Friday he will resign from the county board in June to accept a position as CEO and president of the Minneapolis Downtown Council.

Stenglein will oversee the Downtown Council's new 2025 plan, which calls for doubling the number of residents in downtown Minneapolis, renovating Nicollet Mall, and creating a downtown sports district that includes a new Vikings stadium.

"It's an exciting time," Stenglein said. "This is big news, not just for the Downtown Council, but also for Hennepin County."

Stenglein, a political independent, has served on the county board since 1997. He said he does not plan to endorse any candidates seeking his seat.

"I think I'll remain neutral," he said, adding that he will continue to work closely with the county board in his new position.

Sen. Linda Higgins, DFL-Minneapolis, said she plans to run for the seat, which will be on the ballot in November.

Stenglein said he's proud of his accomplishments during his 15-year tenure on the county board.

"We're done a lot of great things," he said, citing the light-rail transit system, the new Twins stadium, the merger of the library system, and the creation of the African-American Men Project.

Stenglein will replace Downtown Council CEO and President Sam Grabarski, who will continue as president emeritus during the transition.

"I've greatly enjoyed my time at the Minneapolis Downtown Council, and I'm committed to a seamless period of transition between Mark and myself," Grabarski said in a statement released Friday. "He will make an excellent president and CEO during the exciting times ahead for downtown."